Maharashtra govt indicates it may impose blanket ban on dance bars

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has indicated that it is contemplating a blanket ban on dance bars. Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil has told the state assembly that the discrimination in the amendment to the Bombay Police Act (which allows for dance performances in 3 star hotels and above) will be addressed by the state.

One of the options being considered by the state Home Ministry is an ordinance, say sources. This comes after the Supreme Court scrapped an earlier ban on dance bars last week.

The Supreme Court had ruled that dance bars can be reopened in Maharashtra. Dance performances in Maharashtra bars were banned in 2005. The dance bar owners will now have to apply for a licence to the government before reopening.

The ban invoked in 2005 was immediately contested by bar owners and dancers' unions. In April, 2006, the Bombay High Court had struck it down on grounds that the ban prohibited one's right to profession.

In May, 2006, the Maharashtra government had obtained a stay against the HC judgement. The Supreme Court has now upheld the Maharashtra HC order though there is no timeline set.